Stripping Jack Russell Terriers

Huh? I have to do what to my dog?
Strip her coat with a knife?
What does this even mean.

Well, wirey terriers like Jack Russells have longer hairs that act as protection when they work out in the field. Next to the skin there's a soft thick undercoat, but over this are the long hairs that give them that adorable, scruffy appearance some of us adore.

These long hairs grow and then die, but they don't necessarily fall out. if they aren't shedded they accumulate along with the dust and debris that stick to them. It's for this reason that you need to pluck the coat.


I must say that I was clueless about hand stripping (or stripping in general) until I began reading about my Charlie's health and maintenance. I quickly decided that reading about it doing it wasn't going to be sufficient to give me the confidence I need to tackle this task. I therefore began scanning YouTube for videos using 'Jack Russell' and 'stripping' as keywords and I was amazed at little film footage was available. (And even more amazed at how useless most of it was.)

I then began a search using 'terrier stripping' and found quite a bit more to view. Find below the ones I think are worth taking a look at. If you find others, please let me know. I'll add them to this page.

Best of Show

How to Strip the Coat - Norwich Terrier

-- a longer video that discusses how to shape. Granted, it's about stripping a Norwich Terrier, but the principles no doubt apply. Again, this one does not show how to hold the knife, but the lady strips a good portion of this dog and it's good to see it done.

Tools for Handstripping - Lisa Leady (Lisa Leady on Handstripping, Groom Expo 2009)

-- talks about terrier stripping from a Groomers perspective. Talks about important things like how important it is to get equipment that's comfortable for your hand, and how to dull your knife so you don't cut the coat (or the dog!) instead of pulling it out. THE best advice for me was to use a pumice stone on-a-stick.

Grooming the Jack Russell Terrier for Companionship, Work and Show with Michelle Ward
-- good general advice on grooming, like using a mirror and how to shape feet hair, but no details on the stripping process



Tools!
Wonderful Michelle Ward suggested using a pumice stone on-a-stick and I'm here to say that it works!!! I just got mine and tried it and I was pleasantly surprised at how the pumice grabs the hair. I was soon on my way to pulling out dead hair.

Here's the 'weapon' I choose =>>

Let me note that the pumice is very soft and I'd say that between the little flakes that fall off the stone and the hair that you ought to do this with either outside or with a towel underneath your dog.

I will also note that I didn't use the handle. I mean, how can you use it .and. grasp the hair with the same hand. No, you have to hold the pumice stone in the palm of your hand and use your thumb to clasp the dead hair.

Next time I'll probably buy this: U.S. Pumice Nat Pumice Foot Stone Fts-72 Personal Care
It's about 1/3 the price and will no doubt work just as well.